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Walking on water

So, I always knew and I firmly believe that God can do anything — absolutely anything — that He wants to do, including, but not limited to, walking on water. Furthermore, He can have others join Him there. However, I considered this miracle a little closer today, and found that there could be a lot more in this story than many people see at face value. Here goes:

Matthew 14:22. And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Vs 23. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Vs 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Vs 25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Stop. Rewind. Play. Walking on the sea? In the storm? Well, if anyone can do it, I’d vote that God can. Let’s keep going, the exciting part is yet to come.

Vs 26. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

Yeah — hurricane like storm conditions, wood boat, I’d be crying out for fear, too. And a ghost on the water on top of that! Let’s get out of here!

Vs 27. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Thank you, Lord. Now I feel much better. Can we do something about the storm?

Vs 28. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

Ah. As much as I’d love to come out there and walk in the hurricane-force winds and bounce around on the water, Lord, I think I need a little more assurance that it’s really you. I can trust you, God, but you have to help me know for sure that it’s really you out there calling me! There is a difference between foolishness and faith — I’ll have faith if you’ll promise me that we’ll be OK.

Vs 29. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

OK. It’s you, God. I’m on the way! You can almost hear the confidence in Jesus’ voice as he simply says, “Come.” There was no second guessing or wavering. Simply — “come.”

Vs 30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Pause. Step one, trust God. Step two, follow God. Step three, don’t look down. I’d like to think that once I had the faith to get out of the boat, that I’d be able to make it to where God is — but perhaps the journey is tougher than we think. Here’s a thought: Peter had time to say all three words, “Lord, save me.” When was the last time you stepped into a pool (not diving or jumping, just stepped) and had time to utter three simple words before your head goes underwater? I think Peter did not loose faith entirely, but just lost sight of the goal. This is very similar to our Christian lives. We start to lose sight, and when it’s almost too late, we cry for help. Let’s not stop here — pressing on.

Peter, why did you take your eyes off of me? I’m in control of everything. The wind and the seas obey my command. I bid you to come unto me, I would not hurt you. I love my almighty God. With Him, nothing is impossible. His timing is impeccable, too. Notice how He immediately stretched forth His hand to catch Peter. No lecture, no foot tapping, just instant forgiveness and assistance.

Vs 32. And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Here’s a gray area with an alternate ending. I wonder how this happened. Did Jesus and Peter just appear on the boat? God could do it, but would it suit His purpose? I think God took His time and walked back to the boat, on the water, with Peter and his renewed faith. Isn’t it wonderful when Christ lifts us up from the miry clay and then continues to walk with us as if the problem had never occured? His love is extravagant.

Vs 33. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

I guess it takes a little more to show some people who to believe. Thank you Lord, for bringing this thought to mind, give me faith like Peter.